Saudi Arabia Imposes Up To Rs 25 Lakh Fine For Illegal Hajj Without Permit

Last Updated:April 15, 2026, 17:31 IST

The measures will be enforced from April 18 until mid-June, covering the peak Hajj season.

Saudi Arabia has announced stringent penalties, including fines of up to SR100,000 (approximately Rs 24.91 lakh), for individuals who perform Hajj without an official permit or assist visit visa holders in doing so illegally.

In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, the Saudi’s Ministry of Interior said the “penalties that will be applied against violators of the instructions requiring obtaining a permit to perform Hajj and those who facilitate their commission of violations."

The measures will be enforced from April 18 until mid-June, covering the peak Hajj season. They target unauthorised pilgrims as well as individuals who facilitate their entry, stay, or movement within Makkah and the holy sites.

Under the regulations, anyone caught performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit will face a fine of up to SR20,000 (around Rs 4.98 lakh). The same penalty applies to holders of visit visas who enter, attempt to enter, or remain in Makkah or the holy sites during the restricted period from 1 Dhul-Qa’dah to 14 Dhul-Hijjah.

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Harsher penalties of up to SR100,000 (approximately Rs 24.91 lakh) will be imposed on those found facilitating such violations. This includes applying for visit visas for individuals intending to perform Hajj illegally, transporting them to Makkah, or providing accommodation in hotels, apartments, private residences, or other lodging facilities. The fines may be multiplied depending on the number of offenders involved.

Authorities also stated that individuals who infiltrate Makkah without permits, including visa overstayers, will be deported and banned from re-entering the Kingdom for 10 years. Courts may further order the confiscation of vehicles used in transporting violators.

The ministry urged all residents and visitors to comply strictly with Hajj regulations and report any violations to the relevant authorities.

“The Ministry affirmed the right of any person against whom a penalty decision is issued to file a grievance within a period not exceeding thirty (30) days from the date of being notified of the decision, before the competent committee. It also confirmed the right to appeal the committee’s decision before the Administrative Court within sixty (60) days from the date of notification of the committee’s decision," the ministry statement noted.

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